If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, choosing the countertops is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. They’re crucial to the function and style of the kitchen, and they’re available in a variety of materials and styles. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your new countertops.

Consider Function

The style is important, but when it comes to the kitchen, the function should always be your primary consideration. Think about all the ways you’ll be using your new countertop. If you have young kids, you’ll need one that’s stain-resistant. If you’re a takeout expert who rarely cooks, you can select a beautiful material like soapstone, which is best for low-traffic kitchens. Some materials are heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant, while others are not. Determine what you need from your countertops, and then select your favorite style from the options that meet your functional criteria.

Consider Style

While function is essential, choosing a style is the fun part. Nowadays, countertops come in a wide array of colors, textures, and looks. To add vibrancy to your kitchen, choose a colorful recycled glass countertop with a kaleidoscope pattern. For a contemporary vibe, consider a custom-formed concrete counter. A stainless steel counter is a sleek addition to any kitchen, and limestone is ideal if you’re after a classic stone aesthetic. For Euro-chic style, try marble, and for cozy warmth, try butcher block. The style options are endless, and they can be combined! Many homeowners are mixing and matching countertop options to create a space that’s perfect for cooking and living.

Think of the Sink

When shopping for your new kitchen countertops Oregon you also have to consider the layout of your kitchen. If you’re planning on installing an under-mounted sink, for example, you need to choose a countertop that’s waterproof.

The Finishing Details

Once you’ve chosen the material, it’s time to finalize those last, lingering design details. Depending on the material, you may have to choose what type of edges you want. Options range from the stylish, like bull-nosed and beveled, to classic, like rounded and squared.…

If you have a dining room that seems just ho-hum, it may be time to upgrade to a more formal setting. This can be done easily and affordable by making a few simple changes. The end result will be a room you’ll look forward to sharing with your family each evening as well as entertaining friends in during the holidays.

The Walls and Floors

The walls and floors are the canvas that all of the other decorating will be placed on. A formal dining room gives you plenty of options to choose from. Walls look just as elegant when painted a solid color as they do paper. Selecting hand scraped flooring from places like Colonial Plank Flooring will give you that stylish feel you are going after.

The Furniture

Once the walls and floors are finished, you can furnish the room. Formal dining rooms often use large pieces in dark woods. If your current table and chairs are suitable, you are all set. Otherwise, you might have to do some shopping. In order to keep the project under budget, look for dining sets at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. You’ll find excellent deals on pieces that have that formal, vintage style you are looking for.

The Accessories

Finish your project with accessories to complete the formal look and feel. This includes the window treatments that can either be heavily layered drapes or a simple valance. Use a large accent rug to center the table and chairs. Seat cushions will add comfort while a tablecloth will keep things elegant. Decorate a china hutch with dishes in coordinating colors, and use a floral centerpiece to tie everything together.

Once you have spruced up your walls and floors, found the right furniture, and added the perfect accessories, you will have a formal dining room you’ll love. Now you can entertain your family and friends with confidence whether it’s an everyday meal or a big holiday gathering.…

Many landowners, especially those who have multiple acres, want to make sure that their property lines are distinguished from their neighbor’s property. These landowners put up fencing that helps draw the property line, keep trespassers out and keep livestock inside. However, gates to get through these fences can be cumbersome and inefficient when you have to stop your vehicle and get out to unlock it every time you need to get through. That is why rural gate openers are a convenient option for those with large rural properties. Here are some of the benefits of these gate opener systems.

Convenience

The biggest benefit of a gate opener is the convenience. Instead of having to get out of your car or truck to unlock and open the gate, you can install a system that provides you with the ability to simply drive up and either bump the gate open or use a remote system to unlock it. Depending on the type of system that you want, you may want to seek a professional for proper installation.

Protection

Rural areas don’t usually have a lot of traffic coming through, but you still want to protect your property. With a solid gate, you can keep people out who don’t belong on your property, yet you can still have a system that allows those that you do want to enter without issue.

This level of protection also extends to those who raise livestock. Having a gate that doesn’t work can easily lead to livestock getting out, which can lead to injury or death of the animal. A good gate for your property will help prevent your livestock from escaping.

Ease of Use

A lot of rural properties have gates that work, but may not work as well as a new one. With a newer model gate opener, you can upgrade your property so that the gate is easy to use for everyone in the family.…

Moisture can be a huge danger to your home. Dampness can make your surrounding uncomfortable, cause health problems, and even destroy the actual structure of the house. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep the moisture out and protect what is kept inside.

Sealing the House against Moisture

Some water problems are quite obvious such as a leaky roof or water seeping into the basement. These issues need to be addressed quickly before they turn into larger problems. If you discover water spots on the ceilings, you need to have a roofer inspect your shingles for damage. Have all necessary repairs done immediately. Damp basements are a different story. Contact someone like A-Proseal to see if exterior waterproofing is needed.

The Benefits of Dehumidifiers

Some issues related to dampness are simply a matter of where you live. If your home is located in a tropical area or other places known for high humidity, you may need to invest in a good dehumidifier. These machines will help reduce the moisture in the air which will lower your risk of mold, mildew, and interior damage to your walls and other surfaces.

Tackling Mold and Mildew

If you are noticing mold or mildew collecting in corners, around windows, or on the ceilings, you need to have a professional team come in and evaluate your home. These issues are sometimes simply on the surface and can be removed easily, but these experts will be able to determine if the problem lies within the walls. They can also take the necessary steps to remove the mold and mildew before it begins to affect your health.

By sealing the house from water, purifying the air inside, and attacking any mold or mildew issues, you can protect your house for many years to come. You’ll be able to rest assured that you and your family are safe and sound, and the small investment it takes will only add to the value of your home.…

When it comes to maintaining your home, there are many different things that need tending and, in most circumstances, each facet of home maintenance requires a specialist. That’s just as true for keeping your chimney in good condition as it is in hiring an electrician to solve electrical problems. A company that focuses on the care and service of chimneys can provide a higher quality of service than a general handyman.

Keep Your Chimney Clean to Limit Problems

Many older homes have traditional chimneys that still need to be maintained. This is why it’s important to enlist the help of a service that specializes in chimney cleaning Washington DC. By having your home’s chimney cleaned on a regular basis, you can limit the buildup that causes deterioration and a professional chimney sweep will be able to identify structural problems, before they turn into costly repairs.

In some cases, your chimney may need to be relined. A service dedicated to chimney care and with years of experienced behind it is the best choice. Skilled technicians can reline your chimney with the latest materials, strengthening your chimney and providing you with many years of use from it. Even when the exterior of the chimney needs to be repaired, experts in chimney care often have the specialized masonry skills essential for the job.

What Else Can a Chimney Care Specialist Do for Your Home?

While people most often call a chimney service company to provide cleaning, repairs, and relining of their chimneys, they don’t realize that an established company often provides many other valuable services. For instance, they can build a new chimney from the ground up, or install a pre-made chimney. Either option may be required, when an existing chimney has been destroyed by an act of nature, or in cases where a new construction will require the installation of a chimney.

Similarly, you may need new exhaust fans installed on your chimney. Few general contractors are as experienced in this type of work as chimney care specialists. They’re often more familiar with the conditions for installing exhaust devices, which means you can depend on them to do a much more thorough job. Additionally, chimney sweeping and repair companies are often called to remove birds, rodents, and other animals from a chimney. Especially during the colder months, animals may try to make a home in your chimney. This is dangerous for them and a nuisance to the homeowner, but experienced chimney repair professionals are adept at removing animals safely.

Keeping your chimney in good condition requires regular care, which only a professional service can provide. When you trust an experienced chimney sweep and repair service, you’re ensuring your chimney will receive the best possible care and protection.…

Recliners are very common types of comfortable chairs these days because they can easily turn into relax mode. Here’s how to choose the best recliners to fulfill your needs –

Size

If you have small living room and you won’t want the full-size lumber-jack recliners which don’t fit, it is better to look for smaller one. Along with space, you should also consider your size if you would be sitting in to get relaxed.

Quality

You may choose to go with a leading brand which may hold up really well. Some of these name brands may still recline and go back to the position easily, even after years of usage. Poorly made chairs are not able to last if they are used all the time. The materials used in making are basically low quality which can break easily. If you don’t want to make your reclining or swiveling chair a carnival ride, it is better to look for sturdy built.

Fabric

Have pets at home? You might love the fabrics that are covering the chairs. But it may not be the good option for you. So, it is better to go with leather is it can be the ideal choice as pet’s hair doesn’t stick on it and you can easily clean it. You may go with fabric upholstery as the fabric goes soiled and smelling though the chair is long-lasting. Cleaning it is also labor intensive and expensive.

Color

If you are worried about coloration, leather may fix the problem. But you should also think about how your chair’s color can match the rest of your room. The stylish color may look very attractive but trends are subject to change constantly and many people are haunted by colors which are in trend today, but will fade after few years. This way, it is better to go with neutral shade. It can be accentuated with stylish-colored toss pillows and throws.

Also consider the return policies and warranties. Some stores don’t accept return once the item is shipped. Consider how much stress you will need to take about it. So, it is better to measure your space, take your time, and person who might sit in the chair.…

Think of your favorite space. Describe all the objects in it. What if now you get rid of the dividing wall. What is left? Does it still look like a room? What elements are still intact to distinguish them as space?

The wall is arguably one of the easiest and most recognizable architectural elements to reinforce a room. Let’s develop this idea and identify other ways to determine the perception of a space. Let’s look at some of the following tips for creating your home spaces without relying on a barrier.

Level Comparison Wall

Floor level changes in the house may be more expensive than flat floor plates. It may also be less calculated by people who have difficulty climbing stairs. However, level changes are essential to strengthen the character of a space.

Floor level changes can mark specific zones in open spaces. It can also help establish the hierarchy of space. This is indicated by the absence of an insulating wall between the sitting room and another adjacent space. It only revolves around one or more stairs that distinguish the two areas.

Hanging Element

In this room, there is a material change at the ceiling level, while the floor remains consistent. This material change is a smart visual trick to describe the inner zone of the house with an open space plan.

If you can not make a variety of materials in your space, try using paint to add dramatic effects. Keep the color consistent from the ceiling to the wall. A sharp line reinforces the sleeping area of a nearby window.

For a comfortable seating area, give a larger portion to the ceiling. Colors can remain consistent with this technique. Add some chandeliers that strengthen scale changes and add dramatic effects from this zone.

Structural Elements

Structural elements in a house can also be used to reinforce the space. In addition to helping determine the focal point in space, exposed roof beams plus dramatic lighting also adds aesthetics to the flat ceiling.

In most homes, the exposed structural elements are usually specific to roof and floor frames. However, you can also expose the frame on a transparent glass wall.

Insulation

An easy way to add privacy restrictions near the entrance is to combine a space divider. This special insulation allows visual access to the front door with transparent glass. Insulation is a great way to make architectural transitions between rooms.

For a more modern yet fantastic look, combine the steel frame and wooden blocks that provide the transition between a living room and dining room.

Material

Bright wood is very contrast when combined with dark tile floors, which is a visual cue to the reading room. Note the ceiling changes as well as the floor change.

The use of wood materials on the dining room floor and the transition on the stairs leading to the kitchen show the impression of contrast, as well as reinforced by the material used on the wall. Think creatively about your floor …

Now that summer is here, homeowners all across the country are taking advantage of the more moderate temperatures and taking care of outside home improvement projects. Many more basic tasks can be undertaken by the homeowners themselves. Some of the bigger, more complex and involved jobs, though, are best served by professionals that are more experienced and specialize in given areas. Among projects that, due to safety considerations as well as the complexity that can play into the project, is a roofing job.

There are many reasons why a roof gets damaged, or just simply needs replacing. Quite understandably, very old roofs deteriorate over time, necessitating continuous repair until ultimately needing replacement. Bad storms are a major reason why roofs will need immediate attention, as such occurrences as hail, high wind, flying debris, falling branches, and other such debilitating events can put holes in or tear up a perfectly sound roof within moments.

If a homeowner suspects they have existing or potentially imminent problems with the roof, there are many telltale roof damage signs they can look for. There are a variety of different materials used in roofs; depending on the roof’s material, there are different things to look for to determine if damage has occurred or is in the process of deteriorating. It is fine for the homeowner to make a preliminary visual inspection of their roof (safely), bur a more in-depth inspection should be performed by professionals. Roofers know just what to look for, can diagnose problems quickly and safely, and can make recommendations as to what actions the homeowner should take at that point.

When homeowners are interested in enlisting a roofer’s services, they should research a number of potential roofers in their area. Whether a home or business owner has a flat or slated roof, they should check to see the depth of work the potential contractor puts into projects. Whether it be an initial inspection, up to the repair, installation, and maintenance of roofs, customers should look at certain variables relating to the potential roofer.

Some points to consider when looking for a roofer may include, but not be limited to:

• How long they’ve been in business?
• Are they properly licensed and insured?
• Do they have references?
• What their status is with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
• Do they offer a written guarantee on their work?
• What kind of training and skill levels the workers have?
• Do they offer a written contract?
• Do they clean up the job site continuously as the project progresses?

One factor that many homeowners may not necessarily consider, but is nonetheless very important, is if the roofer assists customers with the insurance company when an insurable event, such as fire, water, or weather damage, comes into the equation. Especially if this is the case, customers should really look for a roofer/contractor that has years of experience in insurance restoration. One who clearly recognizes the needs and demands of the industry and is able to help the customer get through this …

Summer is approaching, and you have to make sure you get your home ready by keeping your home cool. In many states, the Summer can be pretty hot and brutal. The weather has been getting hotter and hotter every year. Mother earth has been heating up the earth quite significantly. There has been documented weather changes all throughout the world. In fact, according to UCSUSA.org, over the course of 30 years, there have been recording numbers of higher average temperatures than normal in the whole world. Not just the United States has been experiencing an increase, but the whole world has been experiencing the change. It is believed that the extreme weather changes have been in fact linked to global warming, and the changes are only going to continue. It is important that people prepare for the extreme temperatures by taking preventive measures to keep their home cool.

Over the years, the world has been heating up. The Summers has been getting warmer and warmer for many around the world. Sometimes, too much heat is a bad thing and can cause problems for many people all over the world. For example, heat stroke is one of the health risks that can do some serious damage to someone. Heat strokes are considered a medical emergency. According to Study.com, at, heat strong is one of the leading causes of death in young adults and teenagers. There has also been an increase in the number of heat stroke deaths since the year 2000 with those who are more sensitive, like the elderly and young children. The human body is not made to withstand high heat. It is important that people are aware of the medical conditions you can face if your family is facing high temperatures.

You want to make sure that you take preventative measures in your home to keep your home cool and at a safe temperature for you and your family. You can do this by opening your doors and windows up in the morning to keep your home cool by allowing cool air to pass through. Once the sun rises and the heat begins to set in, you want to make sure that you close up all the windows and doors to avoid any heat waves from entering your home. You also want to make sure that you have efficient fans available in your home to run. Lastly, but most importantly you want to make sure that you have an efficient running air conditioner. If your air conditioner is not running properly you want to make sure that you get it serviced as soon as possible, before the heat sets in. You may contact a professional air conditioning replacement Tulsa OK service online. From here you should get a variety of companies offering professional quality air conditioning services.

Overall, heat stroke is something you want to prevent. You want to make sure you take preventative measures and keep your home cool. Make sure that you have everything …